A handmade outdoor dining table is a showpiece project that brings people together for years. It is more approachable than it looks – a table is essentially a strong top on a stable base – and building your own lets you get the exact size and style you want. Here is how to build one that handles the weather and heavy use.
Plan the dimensions
Comfort comes down to a few standard numbers:
- Table height: about 29-30 inches.
- Width: 36-40 inches gives room for plates and serving dishes down the middle.
- Length: allow about 24 inches of edge per person – a 72-inch table seats six comfortably.
- Legroom: leave clearance so chairs and knees fit under the apron.
Choose weatherproof materials
For an outdoor table, use cedar, redwood, teak or pressure-treated lumber, and fasten with exterior screws or hidden hardware so rust never bleeds into the wood. A durable outdoor finish is essential.
Tools and materials
Tools: circular or miter saw, drill/driver, clamps, tape measure, square and a sander. Materials: tabletop boards, lumber for the legs and apron, exterior wood glue, exterior screws or bolts, and an exterior-grade finish.
Step-by-step build
1. Build the tabletop
Join the top boards edge to edge with glue and fasteners, or space them with small gaps for drainage on a fully outdoor table. Keep the top flat and square.
2. Assemble the base
Build the leg-and-apron frame. The apron ties the legs together and stops the table from racking (wobbling side to side). Check it is square before final fastening.
3. Attach top to base
Fasten the top to the apron, allowing for wood movement so it will not crack as the seasons change.
4. Sand and finish
Sand everything smooth, ease the edges, and apply several coats of an outdoor finish. Re-coat annually for a table that lasts decades.
Pro tips
- Leave tiny drainage gaps between top boards if the table lives fully outdoors.
- Add levelers or wider feet if your patio is uneven.
- Match a bench project to the table for a complete set.
Ready-to-build table plans
Build from a proven plan with a full cut list, materials list and 3D diagrams:
See more in our Outdoor Plans collection.